Michigan State Proposal - 04-2 (2004)
Encyclopedia
Michigan State Proposal - 04-2 of 2004, is an amendment to the Michigan Constitution
that makes it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriage
s or civil union
s. The referendum was approved by 59% of the voters.
The text of the amendment states:
In 2008, the Michigan Supreme Court
held that the amendment bans not only same-sex marriage and civil unions, but also public employee domestic partnership benefits such as health insurance. The ruling however had little effect since most public employers, relaxed their eligibility criteria to not run afoul of the amendment
Michigan Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Michigan is the governing document of the U.S. state of Michigan. It describes the structure and function of the state's government....
that makes it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
s or civil union
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
s. The referendum was approved by 59% of the voters.
The text of the amendment states:
To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose.
In 2008, the Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is known as Michigan's "court of last resort" and consists of seven justices who are elected to eight-year terms. Candidates are nominated by political parties and are elected on a nonpartisan ballot...
held that the amendment bans not only same-sex marriage and civil unions, but also public employee domestic partnership benefits such as health insurance. The ruling however had little effect since most public employers, relaxed their eligibility criteria to not run afoul of the amendment
2004 Election Results
| Michigan Proposal 04-2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes or no | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Yes |
2,698,077 | 59% | ||
| No | 1,904,319 | 41% | ||
| Total votes | 4,602,396 | 100% precincts | ||